went through with potential defense cuts. >> the impact will be immediate and significant right here in virginia. 136,000 jobs will be lost in virginia as a result of this move. >> reporter: this new feeling reflects the idea that many have voted. in 2008, nearly a third of all voters cast ballots before election day this year the number could grow to 40%, but in some of the key swing states the number could even be higher, more than half of all voters in colorado, florida, nevada and north carolina cast their ballots early four years ago. voting is under way in virginia, which could be the new political bellwether, mr. obama won there earlier, identical to his nationwide popular vote. the two have strong bases, for democrats, minority voters and federal workers. for republicans, christian conservatives and military veterans. and in the middle, a stubborn independent vote. >> in a way, people in virginia are less partisan, we don't have party ids in our elections, we're interested in people who get stuff done. >> reporter: now in the last two weeks we released new numbers, in north c